I was contacted by a rep with AL on Friday that my LO's doctor had recommended a psych consult with a psychologist they often use She said it was talk therapy and would help her. I asked why this came about and they said due my LO's outbursts This is the first time I have heard about any outbursts. The reported to me that she had an argument with her first roommate several months ago, but she was moved and that has worked out well, except for a disagreement about the room thermostat. I haven't been told about anything further though. Just that my LO reports the problem to the office and staff about the thermostat being turned on heat when it's 90 degrees outside. I talked to the Resident coordinator about that about a week ago and no outburst were mentioned. I think it's understandable to be upset when your room is extremely hot due to the heat being on this time of year. i have personally arrived to the AL and saw the heat on.
Also, my LO hasn't seen her doctor in a few months. She has an upcoming appt. This doctor has diagnosed her with significant dementia and suspects Alzheimers. Wouldn't outbursts be from Alzheimers? Would they need and benefit from a psych consult prior to returning to her doctor?
Is this standard or will it put a negative mark on her file and hurt her chances of being accepted into another facility in the future. Anyone know? I want her to get all the help she needs, but the way this came about seems odd to me.
Carol
You said that this is a cousin who would not do this for you. Did she have some psych issues before she entered assisted living? I would request an account of the outbursts. I "made friends" with a coordinator at my mothers ALF and had regular though not that frequent contact with her which was invaluable and filled out the picture of mother's problems for me, along with the phone calls I had from mother. I care give at a distance. (((((hugs))))) for the often thankless job you are doing
selfadvocate - welcome - LO means loved one There actually is a thread for acronyms - somewhat humorous but also informative. :)
In the winter, they would like thermostat set to 80 or 85. Shorts season even in the winter at times. LOL!
I see we cross posted about the LO.
UPDATE. When I spoke with the GP yesterday by phone she told me that she would proceed with the brain scans immediately as soon as I was sure if Medicare and/or Medicaid would cover. So, this morning I called a local Neurologist, who specializes in Alzheimers and other brain disorders and spoke with their rep. They said if the GP will refer her to their office, they will check with her insurance and get the prior approvals and have them scheduled ASAP. I asked about a psych evaluation and they said to wait and if it's necessary, they will order it. So, now I'm not sure what to do.
I faxed a detailed letter addressing my concerns to the director this morning. I hope she's had a chance to review it.
I'm going to the ALF soon. I have to transport my cousin to the ortnopaedic doctor as their transport person is out this week. I intend to tell the Director what the Neurologist's office said and if the ALF still wants the eval, prior to the brain scans, I'll probably go along with it, ONLY if there is documentation of these outbursts they are describing.
My cousin is an only child. She is spoiled and has always gotten things her way. I would not be surprised if she has outbursts, but I haven't seen ANY since she got the full blown dementia and I have required her to do some things she did not like, such as wearing a bra, brushing her teeth, etc. She has been completely compliant with me, but I will believe what they report if they have it documented.
This is turning out worse than I had expected. Now she needs an MRI for her spine, before the vertebroplasty can be done PLUS, she needs the MRI for her brain. I'm so confused. I'm going to just inform the doctors and let them and the insurance company decide who to handle it.
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